Heavy Snowfall Shuts Down McMaster on January 15
On January 15, 2026, McMaster University in Hamilton experienced a significant snowfall that led to its closure. The heavy snowfall had a wide impact on the campus and the surrounding area, prompting the cancellation of all scheduled activities.
McMaster University Closure Details
All in-person and remote classes, labs, studios, and events were cancelled. However, clinical placements for health professional programs continued as directed by their respective education programs. Students engaged in clinical placements were advised to stay in contact with their clinical supervisors.
Facility and Service Status
- All McMaster facilities that were open are now closed.
- Most dining services also shut down, with the exception of eateries located within residence halls.
- Activities not classified as essential, including those taking place remotely, were cancelled.
Academic Implications
Assignment deadlines and other submission timelines were postponed as a result of the closure. Students were encouraged to check Avenue to Learn for updates regarding new deadlines.
Employee Guidelines
According to the university’s storm closure policy, non-essential employees were not expected to work on the day of the closure. Essential services remained operational, and detailed information can be found in the university’s storm emergency policy.
Updates and Communication
For ongoing updates, McMaster University advised the community to monitor their official social media channels, including X/Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
